Ophthalmic solution

Abstract

An improved ophthalmic composition comprising an anionic polymeric substance, such as Hyaluronic Acid and/or Carboxymethylcellulose, in combination with any of various cationic monomeric or dimeric antimicrobial agents, such as Cetylpyridinium Chloride and/or Alexidine Dihydrochloride, wherein said compositions provide additional comfort and biocompatibility with lenses without significantly affecting the antimicrobial efficacy of the antimicrobial agent and without therefore requiring a substantially increased concentration of the agent such as that could expose contact lens wearers to increased levels of the disinfecting agent. Solutions according to the present invention may be used for effective multipurpose contact lens disinfection compositions, lens packaging solution compositions, and/or eye drops such as rewetters and tears.

1 . An ophthalmic composition comprising an anionic polymer and a monomeric or dimeric cationic antimicrobial agent.  
     
     
         2 . The ophthalmic composition as in  claim 1 , wherein the anionic polymer is selected from the group consisting of carboxymethylcellulose, hyaluronic acid, hyaluronate, and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         3 . The ophthalmic composition as in  claim 1 , wherein the anionic polymer is present in an amount ranging from about 0.001 to about 1% w/v.  
     
     
         4 . The ophthalmic composition as in  claim 1 , wherein the anionic polymer is present in an amount ranging from about 0.002 to about 2% w/v.  
     
     
         5 . The ophthalmic composition as in  claim 1 , wherein the anionic polymer has a molecular weight of from about 70,000 to about 4 million Daltons.  
     
     
         6 . The ophthalmic composition as in  claim 1 , wherein the antimicrobial agent cetylpyridinium chloride.  
     
     
         7 . The ophthalmic composition as in  claim 1 , wherein the antimicrobial agent is present in an amount ranging from about 0.2 ppm to about 20 ppm.  
     
     
         8 . The ophthalmic composition as in  claim 1 , further including a buffer in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to about 2.5% w/v.  
     
     
         9 . The ophthalmic composition as in  claim 1 , further including a tonicity agent in an amount ranging from about 0.001 to about 2.5% w/v.  
     
     
         10 . The ophthalmic composition as in  claim 1 , further including a demulcent in an amount ranging from about 0.05 to about 1% w/v.  
     
     
         11 . The ophthalmic composition as in  claim 1 , further including a chelating agent in an amount ranging from about 0.001 to about 0.01% w/v.  
     
     
         12 . The ophthalmic composition as in  claim 1 , further including a viscosity modifying agent in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to about 5% w/v.  
     
     
         13 . An ophthalmic composition, wherein the solution comprises: 
 from about 0.001% to about 1% w/v hyaluronic acid, from about 0.2 to 20 ppm of a monomeric or dimeric cationic antimicrobial agent, and a buffer.    
     
     
         14 . The ophthalmic composition as in  claim 13 , wherein the hyaluronic acid has a molecular weight of from about 70,000 to about 4 million Daltons.  
     
     
         15 . The ophthalmic composition as in  claim 13 , wherein the antimicrobial agent cetylpyridinium chloride.  
     
     
         16 . The ophthalmic composition as in  claim 13 , wherein the antimicrobial agent is present in an amount ranging from about 0.2 ppm to about 20 ppm.  
     
     
         17 . The ophthalmic composition as in  claim 13 , further including a tonicity agent in an amount ranging from about 0.001 to about 2.5% w/v.  
     
     
         18 . The ophthalmic composition as in  claim 13 , further including a demulcent in an amount ranging from about 0.05 to about 1% w/v.  
     
     
         19 . The ophthalmic composition as in  claim 13 , further including a chelating agent in an amount ranging from about 0.001 to about 0.01% w/v.  
     
     
         20 . The ophthalmic composition as in  claim 13 , further including a viscosity modifying agent in an amount ranging from about 0.01 to about 5% w/v.  
     
     
         21 . An ophthalrnic composition, wherein the solution comprises: 
 from about 0.001% to about 1% w/v hyaluronic acid, from about 0.2 to 20 ppm cetylpyridinium chloride, and a buffer.    
     
     
         22 . The ophthalmic composition as in  claim 21 , wherein the hyaluronic acid has a molecular weight of from about 70,000 to about 4 million Daltons.